Help!: Terracotta Tiles

[zaw.tiles]

Right ive got a job to lay 8m2 of spanish terracotta tiles on a balcony. I need some help as this is my first terracotta job and want all my jobs to lok the best as possible as i take pride in my tiling. I have a few questions:

1) What do i use to cut? wet or dry cut? (i was thinking wet cut diamond blade)
2) Do i need to soak each tile in water first? if so how long and how to dry as theres 80 odd.
3) I have bought a sealer (impregnator) called "seal and finish low sheen" when do i put the application on? (I thought one before laying and another once laid before grout?)
4) How much would you chage to lay 8m2 of terracotta? I live in london and originally charged £*** based on ceramics.

Cheers guys hope to here from you soon

Oh yea and any other advice on terracotta tiles would be much appreciated

[Phil Hobson]

Hi mate, and Teraccotta does not need soaking in water, that was the old method for ceramics, (fixed in sand and cement). There are impregnating sealers on the market now, but the traditional method was, before fixing apply double boiled linseed oil, turps, linseed oil turps, until you fill up each tile. Cutting can be done on a manual cutter or wet cutter.

Fixing method's vary, depending on substrate. More info would help, on your particular job

[timeless john]

Is the balcony exposed to the elements - wind,rain,snow,freeze/thaw - as you may find the product (Spanish terracotta) is not suited to the environment it is to be fixed.

[zaw.tiles]

it is outside on a balcony so yes it would be exposed to adverse weather conditions but i will treat the tiles. Do you know when i should impregnate them?

[zaw.tiles]

cheers phil for the advice so when would you put the sealant (impregnator on) and how much woul dyou charge?

[pjc]

What Spanish terracotta are they ?

[timeless john]

it is outside on a balcony so yes it would be exposed to adverse weather conditions but i will treat the tiles. Do you know when i should impregnate them?

All terracotta should be sealed before you touch the face of the tile as even dirty/oily hands can mark them!
Reading from your other thread - and - you may find this particular job a balcony too far for 6months experience and a 2 week course.

I personally would not recommend this type of material for use in any freeze/thaw situation and would try and advise the customer towards a high fired frost proof unglazed tile with a similar appearance to Terracotta.

You have of course entered the world of Tilers Forum and you will receive all the help and knowledge available - so keep asking and keep enjoying.

[Daz]

If they are exposed to external elements I would use LTP Colour Intensifier as it is specified to internal & external use.
Deffo seal before & after grouting, but depending on your experience you may wish to seal prior to fixing, too.

**I've just read TJ's post and bow to his knowledge & experience**